Graffitti Cover Up

Art in Public Places

Why a Public Art Collection?

In 1981, the City of Spokane enacted its "% for Art" Ordinance mandating that 1% of certain capital construction costs be utilized to purchase artwork for enhancing public buildings and spaces. A primary function of the Spokane Arts Commission is coordinating the selection, placement and other planning and design factors of municipal art projects in accordance with the overall municipal arts plan.

City Hall

The City Hall Art Collection, part of the art collection owned by the City of Spokane, is an important cultural asset for the community and is on view for the enjoyment of all Spokane's citizens. Spokane's permanent collection includes a wide variety of sculptures, paintings, prints and collages. The City Hall Art Collection represents the diversity and richness of our cultural life in Spokane. Also to highlight Spokane's very active Sister Cities program, a special case on the first floor in the foyer holds much of the memorabilia and gifts from Spokane's Sister Cities.

Also part of the City Hall Art Collection are two site specific works by Ken Spiering and Judy Pfaff located inside the entry area off Post Street, above the City Council Chambers. The hand-carved wooden sculpture by Spokane artist, Ken Spiering, is a singular public artwork, depicting the history and traditions of our community and the key role the railroads played in Spokane's development. The largest single piece in the City Hall Art Collection is the permanent installation by Judy Pfaff above the City Council chambers doors. Best known for her temporary installation works, this sculpture was Pfaff's first permanent installation.

Spokane City Hall and Chase Gallery are located at 808 W. Spokane Falls Blvd. in Spokane. Spokane City Hall Hours are Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm. Chase Gallery hours are Monday from 8am to 9pm and Tuesday through Friday from 8am to 5pm.

View our Spokane City Hall Art Collection Highlights

Judy Pfaff Five Decades at AMERINGER McENERY YOHE - YouTube Video

Chase Gallery

In addition to the City Hall Art Collection, the Chase Gallery in City Hall presents six exhibits per year. Be sure to visit the Gallery on the Council Chambers level (basement) of City Hall. For an exhibit schedule, contact the Arts Department, located in City Hall or call 625-6050.

Visit the Chase Gallery online.

The Spokane Sculpture Walk

For a pleasant outdoor sculpture viewing experience stroll along The Spokane Sculpture Walk, in Riverfront Park and along the Centennial Trail. It begins on Washington State University’s downtown campus and ends on the southeast corner of the Monroe Street Bridge, adjacent to the Spokane Falls overlook. The Sculpture Walk has a great variety of sculpture styles and work by many artists. Please pick up a Sculpture Walk brochure from City Hall or at various brochure racks around the City of Spokane or click to download a PDF version of the brochure.

Some Sculpture Walk Highlights

SculptureSpacific magazine article, November 2011, about the Sculpture Walk.

Footsteps to the Future Article